updated 11:50 am EDT, Wed April 11, 2012

Japan gets Eye-Fi Mobile X2 in new 4GB capacity

Almost exactly one year after launching the original 8GB Mobile X2 SDHC memory card, Eye-Fi has used a Japanese launch to introduce another example with the Direct Mode built-in. The 4GB card ships with the Direct Mode enabled out of the box, letting users send photos over Wi-Fi from their cameras to, initially, their Android tablets or smartphones. An included and pre-set 10-digit pairing code won't even require users to start computers for the setup.

A free app is required to receive the photos. Buyers will also get a free, three-month membership to Eye-Fi View, an online photo-sharing service that backs up all the photos and is said to have unlimited capacity. It usually costs 480 yen (about $6) per month, or 4,800 yen (nearly $60) annually.

The new X2 card is only meant for Japan for now, due to arrive there on April 13 and priced at nearly 6,000 yen (about $74). A US release is planned, though not set in stone, along with iOS compatibility as well. [viaImpress]